Torn between conflicting urges to approach and flee, Nate stared at him, powerless to move. As Nate watched, the man-because Nate could see his face now-raised his head to take a long drag before stubbing the cigarette out on the bench.A shock of recognition made Nate’s heart jump, thudding erratically.

A cigarette hung from bony fingers that protruded from black fingerless gloves. Wearing a heavy coat with the hood up, their head hung low staring at the grass between their feet rather than at the landscape stretched out before them. A hunched figure sat on a bench by the church. With both their hearts on the line and their happiness at stake, Jack needs to make things right, and Nate has to be prepared to give him a second chance.Ī hint of cigarette smoke carried on the wind caught Nate’s attention, and he realised he wasn’t alone. Jack’s reluctance to tell his parents about their relationship only reinforces Nate’s misgivings.

Trying for more than friendship might ruin what they already have, but the chemistry between them is undeniable.ĭoubting his feelings are reciprocated, Nate fears he’s risking heartbreak. Jack is amazed by Nate’s transformation, and can’t deny his attraction. He’s living with his parents, which is less than ideal, but rekindling his friendship with Nate–or Nat as Jack once knew him–is an unexpected benefit of being back home. Jack’s returned home to get his life in order after an addiction to alcohol caused him to lose everything: his job, his driver’s licence, and nearly his life. When Nate reconnects with Jack–his best friend from school and unrequited crush–his feelings return as strong as ever. Nate’s transgender, and not used to disclosing his history, so it’s hard living where people knew him before. Nate and his teenage daughter need a fresh start, so they move back to the village where he grew up.

Second Chance by Jay Northcote